Sign In
The Update Desk The Update Desk
  • Politics
    • UK
    • US
    • Europe
    • Middle East
  • World
    • US & Canada
    • Europe
    • Asia Pacific
    • Middle East
    • Africa
    • Latin America
  • Economy
  • Tech
  • Climate
  • Society
  • Opinion
  • Lifestyle
  • About Us
  • Terms of Service
Reading: Who is in charge? The prime minister’s authority is in question again
Share
The Update DeskThe Update Desk
Font ResizerAa
  • UK Politics
  • World
  • Economy
  • Technology
  • Environment
  • Society
Search
  • Politics
  • World
  • Economy
  • Tech
  • Climate
  • Society
  • Opinion
  • Lifestyle
  • About Us
  • Terms of Service
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
© 2026 The Update Desk. All rights reserved.
World

Who is in charge? The prime minister’s authority is in question again

Ahmed Hassan Avatar
Last updated: January 15, 2026 6:51 pm
Ahmed Hassan, International Editor
Share
Laura Kuenssberg
Photo: Number 10, OGL 3, via Wikimedia Commons
SHARE

Recent developments within the government have raised questions about the prime minister’s ability to maintain control, as a series of high-profile dismissals, internal disputes, and backbench conflicts have surfaced over the past week. These events highlight significant challenges to the prime minister’s leadership and pose concerns about the stability of the current administration.

Contents
Who is in charge The prime minister's authority is inWeek marked by high-profile dismissalsDisagreements reveal leadership challengesBackbench unrest intensifiesImplications for government stabilityLooking ahead: What comes next

“`html

Who is in charge The prime minister's authority is in

Recent events have cast fresh doubt on the prime minister’s control over the government, as a series of dismissals, internal disagreements, and backbench conflicts have unfolded over the past week. The turmoil highlights ongoing challenges to the prime minister’s leadership and raises questions about the stability of the current administration.

Week marked by high-profile dismissals

The past week has seen several significant dismissals within the government, signaling deepening tensions at the highest levels. These removals have not only disrupted the usual functioning of the administration but have also exposed fractures within the ruling party. Such dismissals often reflect disagreements over policy direction or leadership style, and in this case, they appear to underscore the prime minister’s struggle to maintain unified control.

Disagreements reveal leadership challenges

Alongside the dismissals, there have been numerous reports of disagreements among senior officials and ministers. These disputes often revolve around key policy decisions and the approach to governance, indicating a lack of consensus within the cabinet. The inability to present a cohesive front has further eroded confidence in the prime minister’s authority, both within government ranks and among the public.

Backbench unrest intensifies

Backbench members of the ruling party have also become increasingly vocal, engaging in what has been described as “backbench bust-ups.” These conflicts involve disagreements between rank-and-file MPs and the leadership, often centered on dissatisfaction with the prime minister’s performance or strategic direction. The growing unrest among backbenchers adds another layer of complexity to the prime minister’s efforts to consolidate power and push through their agenda.

Implications for government stability

The combination of dismissals, internal disagreements, and backbench conflicts raises serious questions about the long-term stability of the government. When a prime minister faces challenges on multiple fronts, it can lead to weakened decision-making, slowed legislative progress, and increased vulnerability to opposition criticism. The current situation suggests that the prime minister may need to undertake significant efforts to restore unity and authority within the party.

Looking ahead: What comes next

As the prime minister grapples with these leadership challenges, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the government can regain cohesion. Key indicators to watch include how the prime minister manages relationships with senior ministers and backbenchers, whether further dismissals or reshuffles occur, and how effectively the administration can respond to ongoing policy and political pressures. The outcome will shape not only the prime minister’s tenure but also the broader direction of the government.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Share This Article
Email Copy Link Print
Ahmed Hassan Avatar
ByAhmed Hassan, International Editor
Follow:
Ahmed Hassan is an award-winning international journalist with over 15 years of experience covering global affairs, conflict zones, and diplomatic developments. Before joining The Update Desk as International Editor, he reported from more than 40 countries for major news organizations including Reuters and Al Jazeera. He holds a Master's degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics.
Previous Article The Home UK’s asylum hotel bill down 30%, government says
Next Article State Department State Dept. layoffs led by team of outsiders willing to ‘break stuff’
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Editor's Pick

5130

Frustrated Job Seeker Speaks Out Against Wasted Interview Opportunities

In a candid letter, a disillusioned job applicant has expressed their growing frustration with the interview process, claiming that they…

By Sophie Laurent, Europe Correspondent
2 Min Read
4977
Veteran Filmmaker Seeks New Path in Adult Literacy Teaching

After decades in the film and television industry, a veteran freelance filmmaker…

2 Min Read
5079
Workplace Troubles: A Story of Exclusion and Uncertainty

In a concerning turn of events, a dedicated employee at a British…

3 Min Read

Top Writers

Lisa Chang, Asia Pacific Correspondent 88 Articles
Lisa Chang is an Asia Pacific correspondent based in London,...
Lisa Chang Avatar
Ahmed Hassan, International Editor 105 Articles
Ahmed Hassan is an award-winning international journalist with over 15...
Ahmed Hassan Avatar
Sophie Laurent, Europe Correspondent 79 Articles
Sophie Laurent covers European affairs with expertise in EU institutions,...
Sophie Laurent Avatar
Olivia Santos, Foreign Affairs Correspondent 32 Articles
Olivia Santos covers international diplomacy, foreign policy, and global security...
Olivia Santos Avatar

Opinion

Trump

Six months in, how Trump has changed the Education Department.

Six months into the Trump administration, the U.S. Department of…

July 25, 2025

You Might Also Like

Afghan Data
World

Afghan whose indispensable sides had been in UK knowledge breach in danger from Taliban if deported, son tells BBC

A father's life hangs in balance as UK data breach exposes his details. His son warns the BBC that deportation…

9 Min Read
President Donald
World

What to know concerning the Trump indictment on the eve of his courtroom look

As Donald Trump faces court, tensions rise. This landmark indictment marks a pivotal moment, blending legal drama with political intrigue.…

10 Min Read
epa-shutters-its-scientific-research-arm,-with-hundreds-expected-to-be-impacted
World

EPA shutters its scientific research arm, with hundreds expected to be impacted

The Environmental Protection Agency has announced the closure of its Office of Research and Development, which employs over 1,500 scientists…

3 Min Read
White House
World

Will federal budget cuts affect space science?

The White House has proposed a nearly 24% reduction to NASA’s budget for fiscal year 2026, targeting key science research…

4 Min Read
The Update Desk The Update Desk

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered to your inbox.

News

  • World
  • UK News
  • UK Politics
  • Politics
  • US News

Technology

  • Technology
  • AI
  • Computing
  • Science
  • Apple

Society

  • Health
  • Education
  • Society
  • Children
  • Mental Health

Lifestyle

  • Lifestyle
  • Fashion
  • Travel
  • Sport
  • Environment

More

  • Opinion
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Climate Crisis
  • World News

Quick Links

  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Newsletter
The Update DeskThe Update Desk
© 2026 The Update Desk. All rights reserved.
Stay Informed
Get the latest news and analysis delivered straight to your inbox. Join thousands of readers who trust The Update Desk.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?